»The best IT solutions often appear effortless on the surface«

Nicoliene Bakkenes on her milestones and future aspirations
In the fast-paced world of technology, staying updated is crucial. That is something that Nicoliene Bakkenes, team manager at Netcompany, has practiced throughout her career, making her able to deliver IT solutions that create value. Not only for the client but for our future society. Here she shares five important milestones from her career in IT and her aspirations for the future.

1. The Internet was just entering our society

Fresh out of the Technical University in Delft with a degree in Industrial Design Engineering, I joined a small company working on the cutting edge of technology. We were developing software for ‘toeritdoseerders’— which are traffic lights that are programmed and designed to manage the flow of vehicles onto Dutch highways. It was a time when email and chat programs were becoming part of our daily lives, and the first consumer websites were emerging.

2. My approach has always been to ‘learn on the job’

In the fast-paced world of technology, staying updated is crucial. Over the past two decades, the IT landscape has transformed rapidly. For the last ten years, my focus has mainly been on marketing automation solutions and tooling. Interestingly, my approach has always been to ‘learn on the job,’ adapting to the industry’s dynamic nature and I’m always open to exploring anything that helps me to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

3. The best IT solutions often appear effortless on the surface, masking the complexity that went into their creation

My driving force is my passion for collaborating with highly skilled individuals and creating applications that speed up processes and enhances the overall user experience. The greatest satisfaction for me lies in delivering solutions that seamlessly support end-users in achieving their goals. It’s a delicate balance, as the best IT solutions often appear effortless on the surface, masking the complexity that went into their creation.

4. Making governmental applications more accessible to citizens

I aspire to contribute to the digitalization and transformation of the Dutch government. The goal is to significantly improve the usability and efficiency of governmental applications, making them more accessible to the citizens they serve.

 

5. Using technology to address pressing environmental concerns

Beyond the professional realm, my dreams align with addressing global challenges, particularly those related to climate change. If given the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through my current role, I would choose to contribute to innovative solutions that either mitigate the effects of climate change or provide preventive measures. Using technology to address pressing environmental issues resonates deeply with my values and aspirations for a better world.